New releases in fiction, nonfiction, and comics have caught our attention recently. Harper’s The Mighty Red, despite being centered around a teen love triangle, captivated me with Louise Erdrich’s beautiful prose and the depth of its story. Covering themes of economic recession, land degradation, and supernatural elements in a rural North Dakota setting, this novel offers a mix of tragedy and humor. W. W. Norton & Company’s How to Kill an Asteroid: The Real Science of Planetary Defense delves into the terrifying possibility of an asteroid strike on Earth and the efforts scientists are making to prevent it. With a conversational writing style and engaging content, this book sheds light on the ongoing research and strategies in planetary defense. Oni Press’s Cult of the Lamb comics, following the lore of the popular game, offer a mix of new and familiar elements that explore the emotional complexities of running a cult. Cute yet horrifying, these comics promise an entertaining read for fans of the game. Issue 1-4 are available individually now, with a volume collection set to release in December.
